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Red Sox Rankings: Top 5 Outfielders in the American League East

By Drew Peabody

Mar 7, 2016; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts (50) hits a home run in the first inning of the spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2016; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts (50) hits a home run in the first inning of the spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sticking with the American League East theme, let’s take a look at the top five outfielders in the division, headed by a guy we hope is in the Red Sox outfield for the next decade

Sep 29, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Mookie Betts (50) rounds the bases on his solo home run to left during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Boston Red Sox won 10-4. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Mookie Betts (50) rounds the bases on his solo home run to left during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Boston Red Sox won 10-4. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

This manner of ranking has a bit more room to choose. Rather than just ranking one guy from each team, we can choose more than one player from a team.

One disclaimer to note. The newly incredibly wealthy Chris Davis is listed in fantasy rankings as an outfielder by virtue of playing 30 games (29 starts) in right field for the Orioles last season.  This was his first outfield appearance in three years.  He also has started games at third base in his career. For purposes of this list, he is not an outfielder. Let’s say the ranking is for players who played 100 games in the outfield last season.

Another disclaimer is making the list for all outfielders. Our #1 guy could be playing both center and right field this season, not to mention one of the other choices as well who will be playing mostly left field, but could see time in the other outfield spots as well.  This is intended for overall effectiveness on both sides of the ball, mainly offense, so my apologies Jackie Bradley, Jr.. This defensive metric will play a part in my choices for #4 and #5 for overall value to their team. The newer analytic WAR (Wins Against Replacement) was a big factor in these choices. Fantasy ratings don’t make the best player on the field, overall value does, which is reflected in this list.

So, let’s talk some outfielders!!

Next: 1. Mookie Betts

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